Jirga

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/jirga

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the governing code?Operates under Pashtunwali, the traditional Pashtun social code
2. What is the decision-making paradigm?Consensus-based, requiring unanimous or near-unanimous agreement
3. How does a Jirga decide on a solution?In a Jirga, everyone talks until they all agree or at least agree with the idea. Only when everyone is happy does the decision become final.
4. Why do people use Jirgas instead of courts?People use Jirgas because the elders are respected and the rules of Pashtunwali, like honor and justice, help keep peace. It is a trusted way to settle disputes when official courts are far away or not trusted.

Jirga: A traditional assembly of leaders from Pashtun communities, convened for decision-making and conflict resolution.
Pashtunwali: An ancient, unwritten ethical code and traditional lifestyle that governs Pashtun social conduct and decision-making processes.
Consensus: A decision-making process where general agreement is reached by all members of a group, rather than through a majority vote.
Loya Jirga: A 'great council' or large-scale assembly of Pashtun leaders, historically convened for matters of national significance and state governance.